Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Realme Narzo 50A Prime
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | Realme is slightly taller and thicker, potentially impacting one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 200g | 189g | Realme is lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use and feel more comfortable to hold. |
| Build | Glass front & back, aluminum frame | Plastic frame and back | The S21+ likely has a more premium feel and better scratch resistance, while the Narzo might be more prone to cosmetic damage, but less likely to shatter. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | The S21+ provides a slightly more immersive viewing experience due to the larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both offer similar sharpness; minor difference is negligible in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 400 PPI | Both offer a similar level of sharpness, differences are unlikely to be noticeable in typical usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ offers superior blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ provides much smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially in fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it significantly better for use in bright sunlight. Realme spec is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T612 (12 nm) | S21+ has a much more powerful processor, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 224,223 | S21+ significantly outperforms the Narzo, indicating a substantial difference in overall speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21+ has a much more capable GPU, providing superior graphics rendering and better gaming performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor, 1.8µm pixels | 50MP f/1.8, No pixel size or sensor model | Realme has a higher resolution sensor, but other specs are not provided, thus it's difficult to assess picture quality. S21+ has a larger pixel size, potentially better in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP f/2.0, 1/1.72" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens, offering better zoom capabilities and portrait mode effects. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor, 1.22µm pixels | 8MP f/2.0, No pixel size or sensor model | S21+ has a slightly higher resolution and smaller aperture, and a larger pixel size - potentially better low light performance. However, the Realme has a slightly wider aperture, that can potentially provide better low light performance, depending on the sensor. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4, No pixel size or sensor model | Narzo has a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots, a feature the S21+ lacks. The low megapixel count does not lead to sharp macro shots. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.4µm pixels | None | S21+ has a wide-angle camera for landscape and group photos, a feature the Narzo lacks. |
| Black & White Lens | None | 2MP f/2.8, No pixel size or sensor model | Narzo has a dedicated black and white sensor, likely to enhance monochrome photo quality. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers far superior video recording capabilities, including higher resolution, HDR, and advanced stabilization. |
| DXOMARK | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Available | S21+ has been professionally benchmarked, demonstrating a solid camera performance, while Narzo performance remains unknown. |
| Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | S21+ offers more features related to image stabilization and advanced shooting options, while the Realme provides basic camera features. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Narzo has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life, but this may be negligibly impacted by the more powerful processor of the S21+. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21+ charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | S21+ offers more charging options (wireless, reverse) and can act as a power bank for other devices. |
Other Features
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme Narzo 50A Prime | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | S21+ supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 + additional features | 5.0 + EDR | S21+ offers more advanced Bluetooth features for broader compatibility. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21+ offers more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 11 | S21+ gets more software updates over the long-term; Realme's max OS version is unspecified. |
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256 GB | 64 GB or 128GB | The S21+ offers more storage space, more options, and is better for storing large media files and apps. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB | S21+ offers significantly more RAM, providing smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic features | S21+ has a much better audio experience for both listening and recording due to additional features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers. |
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme Narzo 50A Prime uses a more modern side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The S21+ is better protected against scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21+ provides a broader set of sensors for more precise tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits brightness provides a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Much Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chip offers significantly faster performance for all tasks, including gaming, multitasking, and app loading.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a more versatile camera system with telephoto, wide-angle lenses and advanced video capabilities like 8K recording, OIS, and HDR.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging, along with wireless and reverse wireless charging, providing much more convenient charging experience.
- More Storage and RAM: 8 GB RAM and up to 256GB of storage offers significantly more space for apps and media and a smoother user experience
- Premium Features: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, better WiFi and Bluetooth versions, eSIM, and a barometer.
Practical Implications: The S21+ is better for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, display excellence, and premium features.
Realme Narzo 50A Prime Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: A little more comfortable to hold and pocket friendly for some.
- Macro Lens: Macro lens capabilities, that S21+ doesn't have, but may not be used regularly.
- Larger Battery: While only marginally bigger, it could translate to slightly longer battery life in less intensive usage.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Reader: More modern and convenient than the in-display fingerprint reader of the S21+
- Potentially Lower Cost: Typically positioned as a budget phone, it may be considerably cheaper than the S21+.
Practical Implications: The Narzo 50A Prime is better for users looking for a basic, functional smartphone with a long battery life and a basic camera at a budget price.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Higher price; lacks a dedicated macro lens and may have a lower battery life compared to the Narzo, when considering high performance usage.
- Narzo: Much lower performance, inferior display, much less capable camera and no wireless charging, may not be future-proof due to lower specs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, mobile gamers, photographers, content creators, and those who need a high-performance phone with a great display.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games with smooth graphics and low latency.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various situations with advanced features like HDR and OIS.
- Enjoying multimedia content on a vibrant, high-refresh-rate AMOLED screen.
- Multitasking with demanding apps and activities smoothly.
- Using wireless charging and reverse charging when travelling.
Realme Narzo 50A Prime:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like social media, browsing, and casual photography, and who value longer battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Taking occasional photos for social media.
- Streaming low-resolution videos for short durations.
- Light usage for long periods with the priority being long battery life.
- Those on a limited budget who want a functional and affordable phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21+: Offers a much higher value for users who prioritize performance, camera, display, and premium features, but comes with a higher price tag.
- Narzo: Provides reasonable value for basic use cases at a lower price point, but is less future-proof due to lower performance and display quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary concern, the Realme Narzo 50A Prime is the better option.
- What are your primary usage needs? If you want a great camera, fast performance, and a beautiful display, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice.
- How important is display and camera quality to you? If you want a high-quality display with high-refresh rate and a versatile camera with advanced features, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice. If these are less important, the Narzo may be sufficient.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Premium Experience & Performance: If you want a premium experience, fast performance, excellent display, and a versatile camera system, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Basic Use: If you need a basic, functional phone with decent battery life and want to save money, the Realme Narzo 50A Prime is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gaming & Photography: If mobile gaming and photography are your focus, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is far better due to its superior performance and camera.
What I Would Choose and Why!
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Realme Narzo 50A Prime offers a slightly larger battery and a potentially lower price point, the S21+ provides a vastly superior user experience in almost every critical aspect. The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate alone is a huge advantage for everyday usage. Furthermore, the significant performance boost provided by the Exynos 2100 chipset makes a noticeable difference in responsiveness and fluidity. The vastly improved camera system with its multiple lenses, advanced video capabilities, and better image quality further seals the deal. While the Narzo has a macro camera, it's not enough to outweigh the S21+'s wide-angle and telephoto capabilities. Finally, the additional features of wireless and reverse charging, superior audio quality, superior build and screen protection, more storage, and RAM make it a much better choice for the long term, even if it comes at a higher cost.
